A neonate with septic shock and multiorgan dysfunction because of Group A streptococci and review of the literatures

M Kadivar,
S Haghi,
F Mahjoub

Abstract

Objective: Group A streptococcus (streptococcus pyogenes) is a common cause of upper respiratory tract and skin infections, which may rarely infect other areas as well. Infection with this organism is rare in neonatal period. In addition to local infection such as omphalitis and celluitis, involvement of other sites like pneumonia, meningitis, osteomyelitis, and sepsis has been infrequently reported.
Case Report: This report is about a 13-day-old male neonate who was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of the Children’s Medical Center in Tehran with respiratory distress, fever, and poor feeding, followed by patchy echymotic lesions over right lower limb which was gradually extended over entire body. 4 hours after hospitalization without any response to extensive management, he expired in septic shock state accompanied by multiorgan dysfunction, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Blood culture was positive for Group A Streptococci. Autopsy revealed purulent involvement of various organs, and disseminated intravascular coagulation.
Conclusion: Although infection with Group A Streptococci is rare in neonatal period, we should think about it, especially in a neonate with septic shock and multiorgan dysfunction with deep soft tissue involvement.